Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice.

In a statement, Taunton Academy said: "As you may be aware, the Met Office has issued Amber warnings for today from midday. Prior to this there is a yellow weather warning in place from 8am. In light of the forecast of heavy snow and strong winds, Met Office warnings, and the fact that many staff are unable to get to school due to snow where they live, I have taken the decision to close the school for today.

Severe weather is expected

"The decision is never an easy one to make, especially when there is currently not any snow on the ground. However, the safeguarding of all members of the school community, students, staff and parents, is paramount. I am especially mindful about not creating additional journeys for parents, should the snow be bad, at a time when the advice would be not to travel. I am grateful for your support and understanding and hopefully the early decision will be helpful in enabling you to plan your day.

"At the moment, the adverse weather looks set to continue into Friday. I will keep you updated with regard to academy closure via email, the website and Social Media."

The Met Office chief forecaster has said: "Snow showers will become heavier and more prolonged with 5 cm of snow falling within an hour in some places and lying snow reaching 20-30 cm and possibly 40 cm in a few places by mid morning on Thursday. Strong easterly winds will lead to significant drifting of lying snow."

What the weather warning colours mean

Yellow: Severe weather is possible over the next few days and could affect you. Yellow means that you should plan ahead thinking about possible travel delays, or the disruption of your day to day activities. The Met Office is monitoring the developing weather situation and Yellow means keep an eye on the latest forecast and be aware that the weather may change or worsen, leading to disruption of your plans in the next few days.

Amber: There is an increased likelihood of bad weather affecting you, which could potentially disrupt your plans and possibly cause travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property. Amber means you need to be prepared to change your plans and protect you, your family and community from the impacts of the severe weather based on the forecast from the Met Office

Red: Extreme weather is expected. Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather. Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely. You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

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Here's who to contact and when with news of school closures and snow updates:

tomas.malloy@localworld.co.uk - until 10pm on Wednesday, February 28

james.somper@localworld.co.uk - from 7am until 2pm on Thursday, March 1

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